President’s Message
Hear from the President of Fertilizer Canada about the industry’s annual achievements, priorities, and its role in driving sustainability, economic growth, and food security for Canadians.
As the foundation of Canada’s agri-food sector, fertilizer is responsible for half of the world’s current food production. From manufacturing to mining and processing, transport and storage, to wholesale and retail, the fertilizer industry keeps Canada’s economy growing. As a major employer, the industry supports over 76,000 jobs directly and indirectly throughout the supply chain and contributes over $5 billion in wages annually. We’re proud that last year’s total economic impact from the industry surpassed $23.5 billion, with $12.7 billion contributed to Canada’s GDP.
The Canadian fertilizer industry is dedicated to bettering the lives of all Canadians. You can walk into a grocery store today and have a choice of affordable foods because of fertilizer. And, to keep up with a growing global population of up to 9 billion by 2050, farmers in Canada will need to continue to invest in fertilizer. Annually, farmers spend $5 billion a year on fertilizer – their most significant input cost – to grow healthy and nutritious food for everyone.
Fertilizer Canada and its member companies know that it is not enough to talk about how we want the world to be; we have to take action to make that world a reality. That is why we’re proud of the dedication the industry has to reconcile sustainability and profitability through implementing programs and initiatives to protect soil, air, and water quality: increasing economic returns for Canadian growers; and supporting a safe fertilizer industry.
Fertilizer Canada is continuously invested in developing initiatives that prioritize and safe and sustainable use of fertilizer products. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship program ensures that farmers have access to science-based fertilizer best management practices that are needed to help meet the rising demand for food while at the same time minimizing their environmental footprint and increasing the profitability of farmers. In addition to this, our industry-leading Codes of Practice offer guidelines around the safe and secure manufacturing, handling, storage, transportation, and application of commercial fertilizers.
The fertilizer supply chain remains equipped to meet growers’ needs. As the industry association representing the manufacturers, wholesale, and retail distributors of fertilizer in Canada, we know what a critical role our industry plays in Canada’s economy. We work closely with government officials and policymakers to develop long-term approaches and a regulatory environment that will allow our member companies to remain globally competitive. Canada’s fertilizer industry is well-positioned to face today’s sustainability challenges and in the future while supporting the environment, the economy, and the social fabrics of Canadian life.